Milly Ratcliff

Milly Ratcliff, 86, died Nov. 28, 2013, at Park Centre in Newton.  A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 223 E. Fourth St. N. in Newton. The family will greet friends one hour before the service.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Pence Reese Funeral Home, 310 N. Second Ave. E. in Newton.

Milly was born on Feb. 28, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, the youngest child of Frank and Frances Rys. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Roger of Newton; daughters Sally Pobojewski  of Chelsea, Mich., and Jane Darrah (Curt) of Des Moines; son Scott of Menlo Park, Calif.; two grandchildren, John Pobojewski (Therese) of Elgin, Ill., and Sarah Shafer of Arvada, Colo.; one great-grandchild, Kate; step grandchildren, Judy, Mary Beth, Matthew and Kristen; extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joseph and Frank; son-in-law Dan; brother-in-law Jim; and nephew, Mark.

Milly loved classical music, Christmas, antiques (a collector for many years), her grandchildren, good food, baking pies, cats, laughter and her many treasured friends.  She suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for many years, but never lost her sense of humor or her beautiful smile. Milly’s family is especially grateful for the loving care she received from the staff at Park Centre’s Garden View Memory Care Unit.

Memorial contributions may be made to Park Centre's Good Samaritan Fund or St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Online condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com.

Milly brightened every room she entered and was the life of every party. She will be deeply missed.